Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York reports the hearing would be delayed if the Yankees qualify for the postseason. It is slated to take place in New York. MLB officials, A-Rod's legal team and arbitrator Frederic Horowitz had a preliminary meeting this week.

Rodriguez, 38, was suspended a record 211 games for his ties to the South Florida anti-aging clinic Biogenesis as well as an attempt to interfere with the investigation. He is allowed to play during the appeal and came into Friday hitting .283/.373/.455 (126 OPS+) with four home runs in 27 games.

Soon after the suspensions were announced, union head Michael Weiner said he expects A-Rod's hearing to drag out into November or December. A-Rod is owed $86 million through 2017 and will not be paid during the ban. Horowitz can uphold, overturn or reduce the suspension.

The Yankees came into Friday 2.5 games back of the Rays for the second wild-card spot.